Bellingham Parks & Recreation Leisure Guide
Issue link: https://bpr.uberflip.com/i/1538533
We acknowledge that we gather on territory that has been the traditional and ancestral homeland to the Lhaq'temish (the Lummi people), Noxws'áʔaq (the Nooksack people), and other Coast Salish tribes of this region Since Time Immemorial. We honor our shared responsibility to this land and these waters, we commit to learning from Indigenous wisdom, and we strive to repair and deepen our relationships as neighbors and friends. 1 1 HERE COMES FALL! Fall is a perfect time for so many things—curling up with a favorite book on brisk days, planting bulbs before the first freeze, or making the most of a few lingering sunny afternoons with a hike or one last dip in the lake while the water's still warm. It's a season of harvest and preparation at home, school, and work—especially here at Bellingham Parks & Recreation. Early fall gives our staff a brief chance to catch their breath as summer programs, events, and projects pause around Labor Day. We see our summer camp kids head off into a new school year; our beach lifeguards pull in the buoy lines; and the hurdles from our All-Comer's track meets packed away, making room for Friday night football. Soon, our field crews will be topdressing and prepping ballfields and open spaces for the winter ahead—winterizing plumbing, protecting pipes and water lines, and ensuring our fleet is ready for the cold months. But even as we prepare for colder weather, there's still so much to enjoy in this guide. Our Park Volunteer Program will be leading habitat restoration work parties in many of our beloved parks. October brings back seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Patch in the Pool, Boo! at Bloedel, and our second Spooktacular Haunted House at Woodstock Farm. Whether you want to learn to make cheese, pick up the ukulele, or relax deeply in a Sound Bath, there's something new to try. It's also a great time to join a Tai Chi class or hop in the van with us for a trip to a holiday market or a top-notch stage performance. You'll find something for everyone as you flip through these pages. Looking ahead to winter, Bellingham Parks & Recreation will also be preparing for a big move—from our longtime office suite in City Hall to a beautiful new space in the Pacific Street Operations Center (PSOC). For the first time, our Recreation, Operations, Design & Development, and Administrative teams will all be under one roof. We'll also be sharing space with colleagues from Public Works, and we're excited about the collaboration and efficiency this change will bring. As the holiday season approaches, we wish you and your loved ones all the best. We are truly thankful for the support we receive from the people of this amazing city. Warmly, Nicole C. Oliver Parks & Recreation Director Photo by Anastasia Ulinski Director's Letter cob.org/parks • (360) 778-7000 "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables